1 Admissions at The University of Nottingham Matthew Harrison Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer

Sunday, September 06, What I’m going to talk about today… Admissions – facts and figures from The University of Nottingham What we do with applications The UCAS application process Personal statements What are we looking for in an application? Top tips

Sunday, September 06, The University of Nottingham and Hampton School 2010 Entry: 69 applications, 54 offers 2009 Entry: 73 applications, 58 offers 2008 Entry: 78 applications, 65 offers 2007 Entry: 64 applications, 51 offers

Sunday, September 06, Admissions – Facts and Figures Around 40,000 applications per year Apps per place differ according to the School –Physiotherapy - 10 –Psychology - 8 –English – 7 –Chemistry – 6 –Civil Engineering % mature applications 25% independent sector; 75% state sector

Sunday, September 06, Entry requirements Differ from School to School –Economics – AAA (for now...) –English – AAA including A in English –Psychology – AAB and B in GCSE Maths –Mech Eng – AAB – BBB including Maths –Physiotherapy – ABB including Biological Science/PE Non-tariff based

Sunday, September 06, Application Cycle Main Application Cycle UCAS Extra Confirmation –Accepted on chosen course –Offered an alternative course –Unsuccessful Clearing

Sunday, September 06, Admissions structure Central Admissions Office –Science, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Law & Education –Medicine, Physio, Biosciences, PGCE separate Development of Centralised Decision Making –Pilot for 2003 entry – Built Environment and Mathematics –Expanded for 2005 entry – 16 Schools –2009 entry - 32 Schools

Sunday, September 06, Centralised Decision Making Individual level of service for each School Entry criteria set by individual School Regular meetings with Admissions Tutor Applications referred (where subject-specific knowledge needed) Some applications for high demand courses need to be held until 15 January deadline

Sunday, September 06, Centralised Decision Making - Benefits Applications processed on a regular basis Fairness and consistency ensured Single point of contact for applicants In depth knowledge of qualifications Knowledge of developments in admissions policies and practices

Sunday, September 06, The UCAS Process UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Central applications agency for HE applications in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland UCAS operate on behalf of all full-time HE courses at member institutions Handles over 600,000 applications per year

Sunday, September 06, UCAS – Key facts ‘Invisibility’ Maximum of five choices (some exceptions) Simultaneous consideration Conditional offers – 2 can be held August – confirmation of offers £22 Registration Fee

Sunday, September 06, Personal statement Most important element of the application form Sells your skills and experience to the admissions tutor 360 degree snapshot of you! Must be completed by the applicant Start early and listen to advice Use UCAS entry profiles Evidence real interest in the course

Sunday, September 06, Personal statement Evidence wider reading / experience around the subject area Show a valuable contribution to the University Be honest!

Sunday, September 06, UCASapply – Personal statement

Sunday, September 06, UCASapply – Personal statement preview

Sunday, September 06, UCAS Application Personal Statement –Why they have chosen a particular subject –What interests them about that subject –Any relevant experience –Gap year/future plans –Extra-curricular activities –Encourage honesty Plagiarism Policy Reference –Predicted/actual grades –Skills in each subject –General skills and qualities –Extra-curricular activities –Extenuating circumstances

Sunday, September 06, What are we looking for? Strong academic profile may include specific GCSE’s and AS/A2 Levels Knowledge and interest in subject area students who have read outside of the curriculum texts! Career aspirations Relevant work experience/voluntary placements

Sunday, September 06, What are we looking for? Extra curricular activities Key skills teamwork, organisation, time management Other factors; Interviews Additional tests Additional information on questionnaires etc

Sunday, September 06, How parents can help… Offer advice and guidance Start the process early, research all options! Encourage realism Encourage attendance at open days Offer help for finding relevant work experience Offer support with the personal statement Offer support around the A Level results period Encourage development of key skills at this stage

Sunday, September 06, Top tips! Start early Research thoroughly Use the advice and guidance available Websites, Open Days etc. Ask questions Get your application in on time Be wise with your Insurance Choice Make sure it is what you want to do

Sunday, September 06, Sources of information

Sunday, September 06, UCAS Online UCAS Online offers the latest how-to guides and case studies about applying to universities in the UK Visit the UCAS Youtube Channel; Or go to

Sunday, September 06,

24 Questions? Matthew Harrison Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer